The Stone Roses @ Etihad Stadium, Manchester [REVIEW]

The Stone Roses @ Etihad Stadium, Manchester [REVIEW]

★★★★★

17.06.16

Alejandro De Luna

SUPPORT

Buzzcocks, The Coral, Public Enemy

Manchester wakes up with a massive hangover…

The Stone Roses in their hometown is an event like no other. Even weeks before their colossal gigs at the Etihad Stadium, there is a feel of anticipation and nostalgia in the streets of the city – expanded by the surprising release of 2 new songs. And when the day comes, the Mancunian ceremony starts at the moment when you leave your cave. The city of Manchester becomes a snobby parade of bucket hats, Fred Perry, Ellesse, Adidas, vintage clothes, flowers, sing-alongs, lemons, beer, cider, mod haircuts and lads walking like Ian Brown. The trams are already packed with inebriated fans and police safeguards Piccadilly Gardens’ station. It feels like the Manchester derby.

I’ve also attended the Heaton Park reunion gig 4 years ago, and like that monumental event, this second episode did not disappoint. From the moment The Stone Roses appear onstage, the 60,000 crowd howls in ecstasy and the flares light up the stadium, you have the selfish feeling that there’s no better place to be in England than in this venue.

‘I Wanna Be Adored’ works as the introduction for the Roses’ cocktail of psychedelia, indulgence and exquisite pop; the likes of ‘Elephant Stone’, ‘Sally Cinnamon’ and ‘Mersey Paradise’ authenticate John Squire as one of the most inventive and sensitive Manchester guitarists; ‘Fools Gold’ and ‘Dont’ Stop’ reminds us of the beautiful chaos of those legendary Manchester days in the late 80s and early 90s. And the dream setlist goes on. There is no need for an encore. ‘I Am The Resurrection’ prepares us for the irremediable end that leads to ‘Beautiful Thing’ sounding in the speakers of the stadium.

After leaving the venue, the Mancunian feeling hits back as thousands of people walk through the canal next to the Etihad Stadium to head back to the city centre. The sing-alongs are still there. This is a quintessential Mancunian night by a quintessential Mancunian band. Be happy if you were there.